East Ayrshire Council is preparing to submit bids backed by MPs to win cash from the Levelling Up Fund, which will see £432million come to Scotland. 

The local authority has been given priority for the funding – which is to be spent on transport, town centres, regeneration or cultural buildings.

The competitive bidding will run from this financial year through to 2024 to 2025. Organisations in East Ayrshire can also apply for a slice of money. 

Council leader Douglas Reid, SNP, said: “We are anxious that we get a series of proposals together. We need to maximise the opportunity of investment.”

The Community Renewal Fund will distribute £220million across the UK.

Voluntary and community organisations as well as universities and colleges can apply to the council. 

The local authority will weigh up the bid and decide whether to submit it to the UK Government. 

Bids can be worth up to £3million. Applications to the council will close on Friday, May 21 with successful projects kicking off as early as August 1. 

Councillors received an update at a recent cabinet meeting about the potential cash pots and how the council intends to respond. They gave approval for officials to work on bids for the funds. 

A paper presented to politicians said: “The council will receive £0.125m and £0.020m to support the administration, preparation and consideration of Levelling Up Fund bids and Community Renewal Fund bids. Moreover, the potential funding that could be awarded to East Ayrshire Council or to community groups is substantial and will provide significant opportunities to build upon existing plans.”

Information can be found on the council’s website and via CRFund@east-ayrshire.gov.uk